| Cover Page | Jul. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-13100 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-1871668 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3100 Smoketree Court |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 600 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Raleigh |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 27604 |
| City Area Code | 919 |
| Local Phone Number | 872-4924 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $.01 par value, of Highwoods Properties, Inc. |
| Trading Symbol | HIW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000921082 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | HIGHWOODS REALTY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NC |
| Entity File Number | 000-21731 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-1869557 |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000941713 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
